How to Know if You Have a Personal Injury Case 

After an accident or injury, one of the first questions people often ask is: 

“Do I even have a case?” 

It’s a fair and essential question, and one that the Law Offices of Michelle Choe takes seriously during every initial consultation. Ms. Choe understands that most people are not legal experts and may not be aware of the factors that determine whether a personal injury claim is viable. That’s why she takes the time to evaluate each situation carefully and honestly, so potential clients can make informed decisions about how to move forward. 

Here’s a breakdown of what Ms. Choe considers when determining if someone has a valid case, along with a simple checklist to help individuals better understand their situation and when to seek legal guidance. 

What Ms. Choe Looks for During the Initial Consultation 

When evaluating a potential case, Ms. Choe focuses on a few essential factors: 

1. Liability: Who Was at Fault? 

One of the first things to establish is how the incident happened and whether someone else is legally responsible. This might involve reviewing accident reports, photos, or witness statements to determine if the other party acted negligently or carelessly. If it’s not clear that another party was at fault, it may be challenging to move forward with a case. 

2. Damages: Was There a Significant Impact? 

Even if someone else was responsible, there must be actual losses, known as “damages”, to pursue a case. Ms. Choe reviews the extent of the harm done, both physically and financially. In situations like car accidents, for example, she often looks for a certain threshold of property damage to ensure the claim is substantial enough to justify legal action. 

3. Injuries: Were You Hurt, and How Badly? 

Physical injuries are a central part of any personal injury case. Ms. Choe will ask about symptoms such as headaches, neck pain, back pain, or other injuries that may have started immediately or gradually after the incident. She also considers whether ongoing treatment is required or if there may be long-term impacts on your health and daily life. 

A Simple Checklist: Do You Have a Case? 

If you’re wondering whether you might have a case, here are some basic questions to ask yourself: 

• Were you involved in an accident or incident caused by someone else? 
• Did you suffer any physical injuries (e.g., neck, back, or head pain)? 
• Have you seen a doctor or received medical treatment for those injuries? 
• Is there property damage (such as to your vehicle) that resulted from the accident? 
• Are there medical bills, lost wages, or other expenses you’ve had to deal with? 
• Do you have any documentation, such as photographs, police reports, or contact information from witnesses? 

If you answered yes to most of these questions, there’s a good chance your situation is worth a closer look. 

Would you like Ms. Choe to review your case to confirm if filing a claim is the right next step for you? Fill out this personal injury claim form today.   

What Documents and Evidence Matter Most? 

You don’t need to have everything figured out before speaking with a lawyer. At the Law Offices of Michelle Choe, Ms. Choe takes on the responsibility of gathering the evidence needed to support and strengthen your case so you can focus on healing. 

Here are some of the key documents and types of evidence Ms. Choe works to collect: 

• Medical records and bills: These show the extent of your injuries and the treatment you’ve received. Ms. Choe can request records directly from your doctors and medical providers to ensure everything is documented correctly. 
• Photos of the accident scene or injuries: If you’ve taken any pictures, that would be helpful. But if not, Ms. Choe can investigate the scene and gather visual evidence that helps tell your story. 
• Repair estimates or receipts: In vehicle-related accidents, Ms. Choe can help obtain repair estimates or work with body shops to confirm the cost of damages. 
• Witness statements: If there were witnesses, Ms. Choe will reach out, interview them, and gather formal statements that support your version of events. 
• Insurance information: She will review the policies involved and communicate with both your insurance company and the at-fault party’s insurer to understand coverage and liability. 
• Proof of lost wages: If you've missed work, Ms. Choe can assist in gathering documentation, such as pay stubs, employer letters, or time-off records, to support a claim for lost income. 

You don’t need to come in with a folder full of paperwork. Ms. Choe is here to do the heavy lifting by tracking down the documents, speaking with the right people, and building a strong foundation for your case. What matters most is that you’re honest about what happened and open about how the accident has affected your life. 

Why Acting Sooner Can Make a Big Difference 

One of the most important things to remember after an accident is that time is of the essence. Evidence can fade, witnesses can become harder to reach, and insurance companies may use delays to their advantage. That’s why Ms. Choe encourages injury victims to seek legal guidance as soon as possible, even if they’re unsure whether they have a case. Early involvement enables her to secure crucial evidence while it’s still fresh and begin building a strong legal strategy immediately. The sooner Ms. Choe can step in, the better positioned you’ll be to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. 

Helping You Make an Informed Decision 

The Law Offices of Michelle Choe is committed to helping injury victims feel confident and informed, not overwhelmed. Ms. Choe doesn’t believe in rushing people into legal action. Instead, she focuses on educating her clients, providing them with honest feedback, and guiding them toward the path that best supports their recovery, peace of mind, and long-term well-being. 

If you’ve been injured and aren’t sure if you have a case, schedule a free consultation with Ms. Choe today or fill out our virtual online injury intake form. She will help you understand your options clearly and give you the information you need to take the next step, whatever that may be. 

You don’t have to figure it out alone. Let an experienced advocate stand by your side.